What do you think?
Rate this book
The Masqueraders #1
Caprice
Sweeping into London society on a cloud of mystery and intrigue, young widow Clarissa Willoughby, disguised as the Princess Soltana El Djemal, believes her deception is intact, until Hadrian Blackburne vows to unveil her game of seduction.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1994
24 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 22, 2012
Caprice by Laura Parker
A nicely told story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
IT WAS BOLD FRAUD, AN ARTFUL DECEIT..
The ravishing, veiled beauty swept into London society on a cloud of mystery and intrigue. Who was Princess Soltana El Djemal, who conquered the fickle ton? Clarissa Willoughby's harmless deception was designed to open Almack's doors, otherwise closed to a young widow ready to shed her weeds. "Princess Soltana" could fool them all, including the rakehell corsair who had stolen Clarissa's breath with a kiss at Portsmouth Landing. But how long could the deception continue, when dashing Hadrian Blackburne pursued "Soltana" with a passion that made Clarissa jealous of the exotic temptress she knew was a sham....
A GAME PLAYED FOR BODY AND SOUL
He returned from the dead -- and Waterloo -- only to be taken captive by the elusive Princess Soltana, whose game of love was more perilous than war. But beneath the civilized veneer of Hadrian Blackburne, Lord Ramsbury, beat the heart of a very dangerous man, a master of the game determined to unveil the shadowy seductress, to brand her with passion, bend her to his will....
A nicely told story.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
IT WAS BOLD FRAUD, AN ARTFUL DECEIT..
The ravishing, veiled beauty swept into London society on a cloud of mystery and intrigue. Who was Princess Soltana El Djemal, who conquered the fickle ton? Clarissa Willoughby's harmless deception was designed to open Almack's doors, otherwise closed to a young widow ready to shed her weeds. "Princess Soltana" could fool them all, including the rakehell corsair who had stolen Clarissa's breath with a kiss at Portsmouth Landing. But how long could the deception continue, when dashing Hadrian Blackburne pursued "Soltana" with a passion that made Clarissa jealous of the exotic temptress she knew was a sham....
A GAME PLAYED FOR BODY AND SOUL
He returned from the dead -- and Waterloo -- only to be taken captive by the elusive Princess Soltana, whose game of love was more perilous than war. But beneath the civilized veneer of Hadrian Blackburne, Lord Ramsbury, beat the heart of a very dangerous man, a master of the game determined to unveil the shadowy seductress, to brand her with passion, bend her to his will....
February 1, 2014
If you are tired of the run-of-the-mill romance where you can predict every step of the way, you've got to read 'Caprice'. Hadrian, the hero, is every woman's dream and Clarissa finds herself in a pickle when she knows he is bound to find out that she is pretending to be another person entirely. It's like reading a sexy version of those great 1930's movies, where everyone has a motive for lying and no one ever knows who is and isn't telling the truth. Did I mention...it's sexy?
Unlike more recent romances, this book takes the time to really fill in the background and gives you a sense of the history, showing the author's grasp of events, places, and details. This isn't one of those 'just put period clothes on a modern couple' books, but a real *historical* romance. I'm glad to see Ms. Parker's other titles are also available.
Unlike more recent romances, this book takes the time to really fill in the background and gives you a sense of the history, showing the author's grasp of events, places, and details. This isn't one of those 'just put period clothes on a modern couple' books, but a real *historical* romance. I'm glad to see Ms. Parker's other titles are also available.
July 24, 2023
July 2023
It was an entertaining read albeit wholly improbable I doubt the rest of the series will offer much else they sound too similar
It was an entertaining read albeit wholly improbable I doubt the rest of the series will offer much else they sound too similar
December 12, 2013
This is my first book from the author, and I absolutely love it....
The lovely banter btw the hero and heroine (in Arabic no less) is so much fun and quite witty. In my head hello, you are a spy, still you got punk'd by a lovely widow.
The story start with an accidental meeting btw the couple on the dock. She hugs him coz she thought he is her uncle, next she met him as she tried to buy away his carriage. The story keep the hero in a guessing and disguised games with the heroine which is so much fun. Never thought an alpha male like the hero can be so dumbfounded (in a very masculine and handsome way) by the heroine. Still, to me if the heroine not so confused, and the just stick to one or two at most plot, the story would be so much better. The plot is all over the place, but the main characters very much compensate a very good book. Recommended for anyone who love a good romantic day with a bit of comedy...
The lovely banter btw the hero and heroine (in Arabic no less) is so much fun and quite witty. In my head hello, you are a spy, still you got punk'd by a lovely widow.
The story start with an accidental meeting btw the couple on the dock. She hugs him coz she thought he is her uncle, next she met him as she tried to buy away his carriage. The story keep the hero in a guessing and disguised games with the heroine which is so much fun. Never thought an alpha male like the hero can be so dumbfounded (in a very masculine and handsome way) by the heroine. Still, to me if the heroine not so confused, and the just stick to one or two at most plot, the story would be so much better. The plot is all over the place, but the main characters very much compensate a very good book. Recommended for anyone who love a good romantic day with a bit of comedy...
December 19, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was interesting with twists and turns that were not expected. It was also long...so many books are over far too soon and this one kept going but did not lose my interest. I am a habitual reader so I will return to a book that is open in my ereader even if I have not thought of it when I was otherwise engaged. This book captured my attention enough that I would wonder what was going to happen next when I was not reading.
I'll read more Laura Parker, for sure.
Thank you for an enjoyable book.
I'll read more Laura Parker, for sure.
Thank you for an enjoyable book.
September 13, 2016
Glad I got this on sale, because I didn't care for it at all. I did not like the Arab story line, the veils or the turbans. The story was confusing and not engaging. The heroine was to wimpy and I did not finish this book.
I listened to this book via audible as I read along and the narration was good no complaints there, it was the story.
I listened to this book via audible as I read along and the narration was good no complaints there, it was the story.
March 14, 2014
If you like Historical or Contemporary Romance, you'll love Laura's books. Her books have it all - substance, intrigue, tight-writing, and yes, also romance. I must admit, I am not a Romance fan per se. But Laura's books read more like classic
March 10, 2011
3.5/5.0 stars
February 20, 2013
pretty good
June 29, 2017
Is a great book to read
December 21, 2013
Meh...couldn't warm up to the characters. Pace seemed stilted to me. This review is more like a note to myself so that I will look twice before trying another book by this author.
December 22, 2013
Wonderful book, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters.
August 7, 2014
This was a fun story full of secrets, mystery, adventure, love and a little bit of madness. It also had a surprise ending for some characters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews